The new charge of conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, says he acted in concert with others whose names are known and unknown to the federal grand jury.

The charges say he traveled to Yemen to received training in making and detonating the bomb.

Abdulmutallab is one of many terrorism suspects being tried in civilian court, a decision that has drawn criticism from many conservatives.

The Detroit News reports the federal government promised extra financial help in securing costs related to the trials of these high profile suspects, "but local officials say they haven't yet seen any of that money, and Michigan's bipartisan Congressional delegation is pushing to ensure the costs [are] covered."